On this cruise, PONANT invites you to discover New Zealand, a unique destination with a multitude of natural treasures.

Set sail aboard LeBellot for a 10-daycruise from Auckland to Dunedin.

Your ship will first call at White Island, a volcanic island with an unreal atmosphere, between lunar landscapes and steam emanating from the numerous fumaroles.

From Tauranga, you will be able to explore many treasures: volcanoes, hot springs, geysers, rivers and gorges, and lakes that range in colour from deep blue to orange-tinged.

You will also sail to Wellington, the capital of New Zealand. This ancient site of the Maori people, as demonstrated by the Te Papa Tongarewa Museum, perfectly combines local traditions and bustling nightlife.

In Picton, discover the Marlborough region, famous for its vineyards and its submerged valleys.

The Banks Peninsula will reveal wonderful landscapes of lush hills and rugged coasts during your calls in the bays of Lyttleton and Akaroa, two ancient flooded volcano craters.

Your ship will finally reach Dunedin. The Edinburgh of New Zealand is a lively student city, with a rich Scottish Heritage.

Surrounded by the blue waters of the Pacific, the twin islands of New Zealand are the promise of an incredible mosaic of contrasting panoramas.

LE BELLOT

Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed staterooms, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 staterooms and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience.

As the fifth ship in a new series that remains true to the Ponant spirit, Le Bellot will embody the unique atmosphere that is the cruise line’s hallmark: a subtle blend of refinement, intimacy and comfort.

Aboard this ship that flies the French flag, you will experience the incomparable pleasure of an intimate cruise, with the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic-chic ambiance with luxury service.

Experience a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel.

Port of call & excursions

Auckland

Auckland is New Zealand’s largest, most populated and busiest city. Located on an isthmus linking the peninsula of Northland to the expansive North Island, it seems to float between land and sea. It is one of the few cities in the world to have two separate harbours : Manukau Harbour on the Tasman Sea and Waitemata Harbour on the Pacific Ocean. You will understand why Auckland is known as the city of sails when you see the forest of masts in the marina. The 328 metre-high Sky Tower offers splendid views of the city. Surrounded by dormant volcanoes such as Mt Eden, Auckland is noted for its abundant nature and magnificent black-sand beaches. A blend of Maori, European and Asian cultures give the city a vibrant atmosphere.

22 January 2021 – White Island

Arrival 22/01/2021 midday. Departure 22/01/2021 early evening.

Located in the Bay of Plenty, White Island is an active volcano which has been built up by continuous volcanic activity over the past 150,000 years. It is possible to walk inside the main crater and experience nature's immense power, as gas and steam burst up from far below the Earth's crust. The smell of sulphur and the noise of steam emanating from the many fumaroles makes for an amazing sensory experience. The island has also been identified as an important bird area because of its breeding colony of Australasian Gannets. Depending on the level of volcanic activity and sea state, guests will have the opportunity to land on White Island and take a guided walking tour through the crater and around the ruins of the old sulphur mine.

23 January 2021 – Tauranga

Arrival 23/01/2021 at night. Departure 23/01/2021 early evening.

Located to the north of Rotorua, Tauranga stretches the length of the Bay of Plenty, sheltered from the ocean by the island of Matakana. This coastal city boasts a flourishing economy thanks to its port, and is a pleasant and pretty town with a peaceful, relaxed feel. The seafront area is contemporary and lively, dotted with cafés and restaurants. The town centre reveals more picturesque charms, while the surrounding area is packed full of natural delights. Travel on to the town of Rotorua to visit the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland: a fantastic opportunity to experience an absolutely exceptional geothermal phenomenon.

24 January 2021 – At sea

Arrival 24/01/2021. Departure 24/01/2021.

During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

25 January 2021 – Wellington

Arrival 25/01/2021 early morning. Departure 25/01/2021 late evening.

Crowned with gentle green hills, Wellington harbour is located in the far south of North Island. This city offers a charming pell-mell of traditional and modern cultures, bestowing on the New Zealand capital, a unique atmosphere, at once friendly and avant-guard. Where some sites, like the large National Te Papa Tongarewa museum, reflect the city’s Maori past, others, like the many cafés and restaurants, affirm the inhabitants’ incredible lust for life.

26 January 2021 – Picton

A must-see entry point to South Island, Picton is a little coastal town girded by gentle hills, located on the south side of the Queen Charlotte inlet. The cafés and restaurants which border the charming waterfront give a very lovely view of the fjord. You can also decide to get some height above sea level, and walk in the surrounding areas. However, Picton is above all an opportunity to explore the unique Marlborough fjords. This interweave of submerged valleys, making numerous different navigable routes, are among the most beautiful natural wonders of New Zealand.

27 January 2021 – Lyttelton

Arrival 27/01/2021 midday. Departure 27/01/2021 late evening.

28 January 2021 – Akaroa

Set on the east coast of South Island, Christchurch is New Zealandﾒs second-biggest city. You can soak up its easy-going atmosphere in one of the many parks and gardens that give Christchurch its nickname ﾓthe garden cityﾔ, or dally a while in Cathedral Square to see how the city is transforming itself after the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011. Attractions such as the International Antarctic Centre and Christchurch Gondola ride are as popular as ever, while pop-up cafes, the Cardboard Cathedral and community art projects showcase the citizensﾒ resilience. The beautiful port of Akaroa, where ships dock, is about 90 minutesﾒ drive from Christchurch on the Banks Peninsula

29 January 2021 – Dunedin

Arrival 29/01/2021 early morning. Departure 29/01/2021.

Dunedin is New Zealand's oldest city and is often referred to as the Edinburgh of New Zealand. This city of the south, wears its Scottish heritage with pride. The city contains some of the best preserved Victorian and Edwardian architecture in the Southern Hemisphere. The picturesque Silverpeaks hinterland to the North West provides a picturesque backdrop and The Otago Peninsula, which lies within the city boundaries, has internationally renowned wildlife reserves, including the only mainland breeding colony of Northern Royal Albatross.

Dunedin

Disembarkation 30/01/2021 at 07H00 .

Dunedin is New Zealand's oldest city and is often referred to as the Edinburgh of New Zealand. This city of the south, wears its Scottish heritage with pride. The city contains some of the best preserved Victorian and Edwardian architecture in the Southern Hemisphere. The picturesque Silverpeaks hinterland to the North West provides a picturesque backdrop and The Otago Peninsula, which lies within the city boundaries, has internationally renowned wildlife reserves, including the only mainland breeding colony of Northern Royal Albatross.

Formalities

The information below is current but subject to change at any time without advance notice from government authorities. Please consult your respective government agencies for visa and health information.

Warning about the use of drones: the use of drones aboard PONANT ships, whether they are sailing at sea, at a port of call or anchored, is strictly forbidden. The use of drones on land in the Arctic and Antarctic regions is also strictly forbidden by international polar regulations. In other regions, it may be possible to use drones on land if permission has been obtained from the relevant authorities of each country and each region travelled through, as well as a pilot’s licence that should be obtained from your home country. Passengers are responsible for obtaining these permits; they should be able to present them at all times. Passengers who do not obtain these authorisations expose themselves to the risk of legal proceedings.

Passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the completion of your trip. Passport must contain at least two completely clear, blank, unused visa pages for each visa required, not including any amendment pages. Visa pages with stains or ink from other pages in the passport are not usable. Guests who deviate from the scheduled embarkation or disembarkation port should research the foreign entry requirements for the port country. Due to government regulations, regrettably, Ponant will have to deny boarding to any guest who fails to obtain the appropriate travel documentation for this trip.

New Zealand: Nationalities who are visa-exempt must now apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) before your arrival in New Zealand. For more information, please visit www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas. A copy of your ETA must be sent to PONANT at the latest 45 days prior to your cruise date. We also ask you to keep a copy of your ETA and keep it with your passport throughout the duration of your trip. While applying for the ETA, you will be asked to pay the mandatory International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). Australian passport holders are exempt of the ETA and the IVL.